The Datejust spans nearly eight decades and dozens of references — here's how to find the right size, metal, and condition for your budget.
Introduced in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch to display the date through a magnifying cyclops lens — a design so well resolved that Rolex has refined it incrementally rather than reinvented it. That continuity is precisely what makes the pre-owned market so compelling: every generation of collector can find a reference that fits their wrist, wardrobe, and budget.
The collection on offer spans three case diameters. At the smaller end, the discontinued 26 mm ref 69160 — all stainless steel on an Oyster bracelet — is a vintage ladies' piece that opens the price range and suits buyers who prefer a refined, understated presence. The 31 mm ref 79173 steps up in scale and adds yellow Rolesor construction (stainless steel paired with 18-carat yellow gold accents) and a classic Jubilee bracelet, bridging vintage character with everyday versatility.
The 36 mm case remains the Datejust's historic sweet spot. Ref 116233 pairs yellow Rolesor with a fluted bezel; ref 116244 swaps in white gold details for a cooler, more contemporary tone. Both offer proportions that suit a broad range of wrists. Moving to 41 mm, ref 116300 delivers an all-steel, smooth-bezel Datejust on an Oyster bracelet — clean and purposefully understated. Ref 116333 carries yellow Rolesor in the outgoing generation. Current-production refs 126301 and 126334-0028 represent the latest 41 mm in yellow and white Rolesor respectively, powered by the calibre 3235 with improved power reserve and magnetic resistance.
Oystersteel cases should show crisp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces — heavy polishing rounds edges and signals cosmetic restoration rather than careful ownership. Rolesor models add 18-carat gold to the bezel, crown, and sometimes a center bracelet link, delivering warmth without the full premium of an all-gold watch. On dials, prefer factory-original surfaces; undisclosed aftermarket stone-setting or ambiguous patina should always be reflected in the asking price.
Service history, original box, and papers — the "full set" in collector parlance — can justify a premium of 15 to 25 percent. Unpolished cases command the most attention from purists. Before committing, examine the cyclops lens for chips or crazing, test the crown for smooth winding action, and check the bracelet for stretch at the deployant end; all are serviceable but worth factoring into your offer.
Current-generation 126xxx references track closer to retail because demand is steady and parts support is assured for decades. Vintage pieces such as the 69160 are governed by scarcity and dial integrity. Two-tone Rolesor references move in cycles — softer when all-steel sport watches dominate collector conversation, more resilient when dressy styles reassert themselves — making the present a reasonable entry point across the Rolesor range.
Every watch offered here has been independently authenticated and ships fully insured. Paying by wire transfer typically unlocks a price reduction of two to four percent — meaningful across a range of $3,539 to $32,200. Ask about recent service records and the applicable return window before committing, and you will have a Datejust acquired on transparent terms with the collector community's best practices as your guide.
Live inventory for this model — updated continuously as pieces arrive and sell.